Study: Coronavirus Can't Be Spread From Mom To Baby In Late Pregnancy

check_icon Research-backed

Time and again, the world has been hit by a deadly virus that claims innumerable lives. From Ebola to swine flu, many such viruses have wreaked havoc on humankind. The most recent one is the deadly coronavirus that started in the state of Wuhan in China. Known as COVID-19 in medical terms, the first case was reported in the Chinese city on 31st December 2019 (1).

According to the World Health Organization’s official website, Coronavirus (CoV) is a large family of viruses. They can cause various kinds of illnesses ranging from common cold and cough to the more serious MERS or SARS. Its tell-tale symptoms include fever, breathing problems, cough, shortness of breath, and respiratory symptoms. In severe situations, these symptoms can result in pneumonia, kidney failure, severe acute respiratory syndrome, and even death. However, the new strain of coronavirus called novel coronavirus that sprang in China hasn’t been previously identified among humans (2). And, this is exactly what makes tackling this disease a challenge.

Image: Shutterstock

With the disease spreading across the globe, many countries have blocked their nationals from entering China and also evacuated those who were already there. Precautionary measures and advisories have been rolled out by respective governments to tackle the spread of the disease. But in the midst of all this, came a piece of news that shook everyone. Early in February this year, a newborn baby was diagnosed with Coronavirus. The baby was delivered in the city of Wuhan, which was the epicenter of the virus. But within 30 hours after birth, the baby tested positive for coronavirus. Earlier, the mother too had been diagnosed with the disease and it was unclear when the baby was exposed to the virus (3). This created a panic-like situation among the medical fraternity as well as all the expectant moms who tested positive for the virus. The only question on everyone’s mind was – does the deadly coronavirus get transmitted to the baby from the mother while still inside the womb?

Image: Shutterstock

To put all speculations to rest, a joint study was conducted in this regard by Northwestern University, Peking University, and Wuhan University. For the study, the researchers collected evidence from 9 pregnant women who reported coronavirus-like symptoms and were well into their third trimester. Their medical records were consistently reviewed up until the time they delivered the babies. All 9 women delivered through c-section and none of them developed a severe case of COVID-19 pneumonia or death. Thereafter, the newborns were also continuously monitored. The results of all the tests showed no signs of coronavirus in any of the newborns. Thus, the findings of this small study do suggest that there is no evidence of intrauterine transmission of the coronavirus from a pregnant woman to her baby. The results of this study were published in The Lancet journal (4).

Image: Shutterstock

This bit of news does come as a relief in these troubled times. However, the researchers also put in a word of caution along with it. Since this study was performed only on women in their third trimester, a more conclusive study was yet to be performed on women in the early stages of pregnancy. As of now, the researchers have refrained from misleading expectant women who are in their first and second trimesters. For such women, it is highly recommended that they check with their doctors regularly if they have any concerns regarding the virus. Especially those pregnant women who have traveled to the affected areas or have come in close contact with an infected person. And such expectant moms will require constant close monitoring.

As the world awaits further studies on pregnant women in the first and second stages of pregnancy with respect to intrauterine coronavirus transfer, we only hope and pray that things change for the better. Just like they did for women in the third trimester of pregnancy. Amen!

Was this article helpful?
thumbsupthumbsdown
The following two tabs change content below.